PMC Laboratory Receives Accreditation from College of American Pathologists

The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to Pikeville Medical Center’s (PMC) Laboratory based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs.

The facility’s medical director, Harty Ashby, DO, was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. PMC’s Laboratory is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide.

“I am extremely proud of Pikeville Medical Center’s Laboratory and Pathology staff for this well-deserved recognition. The staff went above and beyond in their jobs, upheld the highest standard of care to the community they serve, and persevered through the challenges of major laboratory renovation projects during this survey cycle,” said Dr. Ashby. “The support of Pikeville Medical Center’s administration to our laboratory and pathology departments was essential to our success. Receiving the CAP Accreditation demonstrates our commitment to extending excellent quality services to our patients.”

Upon learning of the laboratory’s CAP accreditation AVP of Laboratory Services, Leann Hubbard said, “The PMC Laboratory and Pathology Staff proved that they maintained the highest level of excellence and care to the patients they serve, while undertaking a huge renovation project in this survey cycle. The commitment of PMC’s Administration to the Laboratory/Pathology Staff has been well-placed.”

PMC’s laboratory doubled in size and capacity this past year with the installation of the region’s only automated lab line. This equipment upgrade allows PMC to process 200 additional lab tests in-house, producing speedier results for patients.

The federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, as being equal-to or more-stringent-than the government’s own inspection program.

According to CAP’s document entitled “Guide to CAP Accreditation”, their program “guides laboratories to achieve the highest standard of excellence in patient care.” During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.

“PMC’s Laboratory demonstrates leadership, innovation, and a passionate commitment to standards of excellence while providing the highest quality services, ultimately for patients,” said Bharati Jhaveri, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP’s Council on Accreditation. “The CAP congratulates them on their recent CAP Accreditation.”